Hide and Seek "
By: Riaan, Operations Manager, [PST]
Teilani Dane, Chief Medical Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58204.15 0945

=Deck 6=

After leaving James and Ensign Zoei, Riaan proceeded on checking in with the other family members and checking to see if there were anymore orphaned children from the Eagle. Most of the families were rather pleasant while others weren't sure what to think of Riaan

=Meanwhile=

After finishing up the last of the reports Teilani decided to get something to eat in the lounge. Living on only coffee was not good. She stepped out in to the corridor, almost tripping over some children playing a game. "Hello, they said to her, do you want to play with us"? Teilani smiled, “maybe later okay, the children nodded.

Riaan had found 4 more children who were orphaned and had lost their parents but the families that took them under their care stated to Riaan that they were reasonably well adjusted and just required some love and understanding. Also with our children they have been very helpful as they played either big brother/sister.

Teilani walked on, her stomach started to grumble, she turned a corner passed one of the bulkheads when she heard a noise. It was a little boy crying. Teilani walked over to him, "hello, she said, why are you crying” .The boy looked up, we were playing hide and seek and now I cannot find my friends nor mum and daddy”.

He rubbed his eyes, and sniffed, “ can you take me home”. He placed his hand in Teilani's hand. "Of course Teilani said, lets just see if we can find your friends or your mum and dad”, ok.

Riaan was having a hard time as she saw the aftermath from the children that lost their parents. She thanked the families that had taken in the orphaned children until further arrangements could be made. Riaan couldn't believe the sacrifices the families had done for these children by taking them under their care. They were so nice these people and never deserved this. They were hard working, honest and very sincere and had not asked for that much in return, other then getting them safely away from the federation.

Teilani walked together with the boy, “what's your name”, she asked, “James Digrado”, he replied. "Are you working here”, he asked. Teilani looked down, “yes I am, she said,” I’m going to be a pilot when I grow up”, James said hopping along side her. SuddenlyJames pulled his hand from hers, “Mark, he yelled Mark”, another boy disappeared around the corner of deck 6. Teilani ran after them, trying not to loose them, finally she caught up with them. “Boys, she said, don't go wondering too far”. She recognized Mark as being the little boy from sick bay. “Mark, Teilani said, I believe your mummy told you not to go too far from your quarters, didn’t she”. He nodded, “hoi doc”.

“Come on you two, it is time to go home, both boys gave Teilani a hand and walked beside her, chattering loudly about what they seen and done.

As Teilani turned the corner to G45 she noticed Ensign Riaan exiting one of the family quarters.

Riaan almost walked over Ensign Dane. “Hello doctor is there a problem”?

“No, there is no problem I am just babysitting, getting these two rascals home”.

Both James and Mark giggled they were so full of mischief. "But how are you Ensign, are you holding up". Teilani asked a bit concerned.

“I am holding up not bad, but I can't believe how many children there are that have lost their parents. The trauma these children are going through at this age isn't right. I am wondering what will happen to these children when we reach Qul Tuq. All my years as a mercenary this is the first time up front that I have seen the devastation I have caused by following command and have left so many children, wives, husband and what not so alone. This is a tragedy. This makes no sense. These children should have both their parents and now they are so alone.

Teilani nodded, “I know what you mean, but do not forget children are much more resilient and at this age with the proper guidance and counseling they will pull through, but I agree with you war is never fair not on children nor on adults”.

“I am sorry I shouldn't keep you”. “How are you holding up since yesterday in sickbay with seeing two that were part of the landing party on the Kitty Hawk”? Riaan asked.

Not intentionally she answered a bit hard, “I'm doin fine”, she did not want to let Riaan know that she had shut off her feelings, tried not to let herself being effected by the pain and horror she noticed in peoples eyes, the pain she remembered so well.

“Well lets get these two home shall we. Do you know the boys name at all Teilani?

“Yes I do, Ensign Riaan meet James and Mark”. James started pulling her hand, "Are we going now, I'm hungry”. Teilani laughed at Riaan, well you heard them shall we go?

Riaan started walking and stopped at one of the quarters and pressed the chime.

Juliette replied, “enter”.

Both Teilani and Riaan entered with the two boys. “I am sorry to interrupt but your son has been having fun exploring this ship”.

Mark piped up, ”mom can I please have James over for lunch I promise I’ll be good”.

Juliette replied, “all right but first you must apologize to these two people who found you and never wonder away from these quarters unless occupied by your father or myself”..

Mark piped up “I promise”.

Juliette stated to Riaan and Teilani, “I hope these two haven’t bothered you”.

“Oh no they were fine”, replied Teilani and Riaan just nodded in agreement.

Mark turned to Teilani, “I am sorry for bothering you”, along with James they were almost synchronized.

Teilani sank to her knees, brushing her hand through Marks hair. “If you ever want to explore the ship again Mark, then ask the computer to call Ensign Riaan or myself o.k".

Mark nodded and looked at James and started to run to his room, calling for his newfound friend.

Juliette walked over to Riaan and Teilani, "Again, Doctor, Ensign, my apologies for my son” .

“It was no big deal honestly boys will be boys and love adventure”, replied Riaan.

James’s parents are in Family Quarters #33 Juliette, replied Riaan .

Juliette nodded, “I will make sure he will get there safely”, she said as she guided Riaan and Teilani to the door.

“Thank you for making sure that James gets home safely”, replied Riaan.

“No problem it will be a pleasure”, replied Juliette.

“Well I guess we better getting going, as Riaan looked over at Teilani, I still have other duties to attend to”, as Riaan smiled at Juliette for being so understanding with her son yet having a firm hand at the same time.

“Bye Ma'am”, Teilani said as she stepped into the corridor. “Well Riaan, I will not keep you any longer, if you require assistance let me know”. With her appetite gone, Teilani turned and headed back to sickbay, a cup of strong coffee would do her good…

“Not a problem”, replied Riaan.